Artificial graphites have been used in various applications, for example, as anode materials for Li-ion batteries, C/C composites, and electrodes for aluminum smelting, due to their unique mechanical strength and high thermal and electrical conductivity. Artificial graphites can be manufactured by a series of kneading, molding, carbonization and graphitization processes with an additional impregnation process. In this study, the influence of the process variables in the kneading and carbonization/graphitization process on the properties of the resulting carbon block was systemically investigated. During the kneading process, the optimum kneading temperature was 90 °C higher than the softening point of the binder pitch; thus, the binder pitch reached its maximum fluidity. On the other hand, during the carbonization and graphitization process, the structural properties of carbon blocks prepared at different heat treatment temperatures were examined and their structural change and evolution were closely described according to the temperature and divided into low-temperature carbonization and high-temperature carbonization/graphitization. Based on this study, we expect to provide a better understanding of setting the parameters for thermally conductive carbon block manufacturing.

    Abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Experimental
        2.1 Materials used
        2.2 Preparation of the carbon block
        2.3 Materials characterization
    3 Results and discussion
    4 Conclusion
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• Donghae An(Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University)
• Kyung Hoon Kim(Institute of Carbon Fusion Technology (InCFT), Chungnam National University)
• Chaehun Lim(Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University)
• Young‑Seak Lee(Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Institute of Carbon Fusion Technology (InCFT), Chungnam National University)